Program for controlling execution of a game, and a game machine for executing the program

ABSTRACT

Provided are a program and an information processing apparatus for controlling execution of a ball sports simulation game that can provide for a player sensations similar to those experienced when actually playing the sports. The program executed in the information processing apparatus includes the steps of detecting a ball striking strength and a ball operating angle for hitting a golf ball, which are set by a player using an input device; detecting a ball striking operation value and a ball striking angle for said golf ball at the time of hitting said golf ball, which are set by said player using the input device; performing a correction of a specific distance in accordance with said ball striking operation value at the time of hitting said ball to a traveling distance of said ball corresponding to said detected ball striking strength; and determining a flight mode of said ball based on said ball operating angle and said ball striking angle at the time of hitting said ball, which are set by said player using the input device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a program for controllingexecution of a game using an information processing apparatus. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a game program forperforming a ball sports simulation game using a game machine serving asan information processing apparatus that can make it possible for theoperation of the game to convey players of the program sensationssimilar to those the players would experience while actually playingsports.

[0003] 2. Related Background Arts

[0004] Various types of game machines which serve as informationprocessing apparatuses have been developed which permit players toperform sports simulation games. For example, golf games and baseballgames have been produced as games in which balls are handled.

[0005] For these games, input devices having general functions, i.e., acommand input key button for establishing an entry, a cross-shaped keyfor issuing directional instructions, etc. are employed.

[0006] While a predetermined setting can be provided in advance by usingthese input keys, a player is permitted to determine the timing for ashot made with a golf ball or for hitting a baseball.

[0007] For actual sports, it is requested that the direction and thestrength of the shot made using a golf ball or the hitting of a baseballshould be adjusted, while taking into account the topographicalcondition of a golf course or the type of pitch that is delivered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is, therefore, one objective of the present invention toprovide a program for controlling execution of a ball sports simulationgame that can provide for a player sensations similar to thoseexperienced when actually playing the sports, and an informationprocessing apparatus which employs this program.

[0009] To achieve this objective, according to a first aspect of thepresent invention, a program for controlling execution of a golfsimulation game using an information processing apparatus, includes thesteps of:

[0010] By a controller,

[0011] Detecting a ball striking strength and a ball operating angle forhitting a golf ball which are set by a player using an input device;

[0012] detecting a ball striking operation value and a ball strikingangle for the golf ball at the time of hitting the golf ball, which areset by the player using the input device;

[0013] performing a correction of a specific distance in accordance withthe ball striking operation value at the time of hitting the ball to atraveling distance of the ball corresponding to the detected ballstriking strength; and

[0014] determining a flight mode of the ball based on the ball operatingangle and the ball striking angle at the time of hitting the ball, whichare set by the player using the input device.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an analogvalue in −Y direction is provided by the input device as the ballstriking strength set by the player, an analog value in +Y direction isprovided by the input device as the ball striking operation value at thetime of hitting the ball, an analog value in +X or −X direction isprovided by the input device as the ball operating angle set by theplayer, another analog value in +X or −X direction is provided as theball striking angle set by the player, and the correction of thespecific distance performed by the controlling device is determined as aratio of the analog value in +Y direction to the absolute value of theanalog value in −Y direction, based on the first aspect of the presentinvention.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, anadditional operation value in +Y or −Y direction can be inputted by theinput device before a predetermined period of time has elapsed followingthe provision of the ball striking operation value given at the time ofhitting the ball by the player, based on the second aspect of thepresent invention.

[0017] According to a forth aspect of the present invention, when anadditional operation value in +Y direction is inputted, rotationcorresponding to the additional operation value in +Y direction isprovided for the golf ball at the position where the golf ball haslanded; and

[0018] when an additional operation value in −Y direction is inputted,rotation corresponding to the additional operation value in −Y directionis provided for the golf ball at the position where the golf ball haslanded, based on the third aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the flight modeincludes either a slice, during which the golf ball curves to the rightin flight, or a hook, during which the golf ball curves to the left inflight, based on the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a program forcontrolling execution of a golf simulation game using an informationprocessing apparatus, includes the steps of:

[0021] during the golf simulation game, by an image processing circuitperforming perspective transformation of a golf course in a virtualthree-dimensional space into a two-dimensional projection for which theorigin is the viewpoint of a camera located in the virtualthree-dimensional space;

[0022] by a monitor displaying an image in the two-dimensionalprojection obtained by the perspective transformation;

[0023] by a controller moving the viewpoint of the camera along aheight, or along a forward direction in the virtual three-dimensionalspace, based on a camera movement controlling signal inputted by aplayer using an input device; and

[0024] having the controlling device rotatably adjust the direction ofview of the camera at a position to which the viewpoint is moved.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a program forsetting a viewpoint and an object in a virtual three-dimensional spaceand for generating an image of the object taken from the viewpointincludes the steps of:

[0026] By a controller detecting a first operating signal inputted byfirst operation device;

[0027] By the controller continuously changing the position of theviewpoint while the first operating signal is detected; and

[0028] when a second operating signal inputted by second operationdevice is detected, by the controller fixing the position of theviewpoint, and continuously changing the direction of view in accordancewith an operation value based on the second operating signal.

[0029] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a program forsetting a viewpoint and an object in a virtual three-dimensional spaceand for generating an image of the object taken from the viewpoint,comprises the steps of:

[0030] By a controller detecting a first operating signal inputted byfirst operation device;

[0031] By the controller continuously changing the position of theviewpoint while the first operating signal is detected; and

[0032] when a second operating signal inputted by a second operationdevice is detected, by the controlling device fixing the position of theview point, and in accordance with an operation value based on thesecond operating signal, continuously changing the position of theviewpoint while fixing the viewed point so as to maintain an almostconstant distance between the viewpoint and the viewed point.

[0033] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a programfor controlling execution of a ball sports simulation game using aninformation processing apparatus, includes the steps of:

[0034] by an image processor displaying a ground and a cup which isformed in the ground for accepting a ball coursing over the ground froma distance; and

[0035] by the image processing device displaying the height of theground by pasting a texture that varies in darkness to the displayedground.

[0036] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the ball sportssimulation game is a golf simulation game, and the ball is a golf ball;and

[0037] the ground is a green topographic entity, and positionaldifference in height between the cup for accepting a golf ball and thegolf ball is apparent near the cup, based on the ninth aspect of thepresent invention.

[0038] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, aninformation processing apparatus includes:

[0039] a storage device for storing a program for controlling executionof a golf simulation game;

[0040] an input device for setting a ball striking strength and a balloperating angle for a golf ball hit by a player as well as a ballstriking operation value and a ball striking angle for the golf ball atthe time of hitting the golf ball; and

[0041] a controller for detecting the ball striking operation value andthe ball striking angle for the golf ball set by the player using aninput device at the time of hitting the golf ball, performing acorrection of a specific distance in accordance with the ball strikingoperation value at the time of hitting the golf ball, to a travelingdistance of the golf ball corresponding to the detected ball strikingstrength, and determining a flight mode of the golf ball based on theball operating angle and the ball striking angle at the time of hittingthe golf ball, which are set by the player using the input device, inaccordance with a program stored in the storage device.

[0042] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a trackball is provided for the input device, and is used for entering, asanalog values, the ball striking strength and the ball operating angleof the golf ball, as well as the ball striking operation value and theball striking angle at the time of hitting the ball, based on theeleventh aspect of the present invention.

[0043] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, aprogram comprises the steps of:

[0044] enabling a player to input a timing for hitting a ball that isdisplayed on a display monitor by using input device;

[0045] by an image processor displaying cursors on the display monitor;

[0046] enabling the player to select a cursor having a specific patternarea by using the input device, and by the proccesor changing anddisplaying the shape of the cursor displayed on the display monitor inaccordance with the selected specific pattern; and

[0047] by a controller determining whether the position of the balldisplayed on the display monitor is within an area of the displayedcursor after shape changing, the position being at the time when aspecific time has been elapsed after the time of hitting at the ballinputted by the player using the input device.

[0048] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, aprogram for controlling execution of a baseball simulation game using aninformation processing apparatus in which a hitting timing for a battercharacter operated by a first player to hit a ball thrown by a pitchercharacter displayed on a display monitor is controlled, includes thesteps of:

[0049] By a controller setting a pitch type thrown by the pitchercharacter displayed by means of an operation by a second player using aninput device or by the control of a program;

[0050] enabling the first player to set a timing and a position for thedisplayed batter character to use the input device in order to hit aball thrown by the pitcher character; and

[0051] furthermore, enabling the first player to use the input device inorder to predict the pitch type of the thrown ball and to select acursor shape pattern in which hitting by the batter character isregarded as valid when the ball is within an area.

[0052] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, aprogram for performing, using a game apparatus displaying an imagecaptured from a specific viewpoint in a virtual space on display device,judgment whether a first character placed in the virtual space that isoperated by a first player, contacts a second character moving in thevirtual space, and for controlling progress of a game in accordance withthe result of the judgment, including the steps of:

[0053] by the display device displaying a cursor indicating an area inwhich contact of the first character and the second character isregarded as valid;

[0054] by an input device inputting an operating signal corresponding toat least one parameter predicted by the first player among a pluralityof parameters for specifying movement of the second character;

[0055] by a controller setting at least one parameter among a pluralityof parameters for specifying movement of the second character so that itcannot be recognized before the operating signal corresponding to theprediction is inputted, and move the second character in accordance withthe set parameter;

[0056] by the controller judging whether the prediction made by thefirst player is right or wrong, based on the inputted operating signaland the parameter set to the second character; and

[0057] when the prediction is right, making at least the shape or thesize of the cursor into a shape or a size corresponding to theprediction made by the first player.

[0058] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, settingby controlling device of the at least one parameter of the plural numberof parameters for specifying the movement of the second character isbased on an operating signal inputted by a second player using the inputdevice who is playing a game against the first player, based on thefifteenth aspect of the present invention.

[0059] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, theposition of the displayed cursor is made to move to be set in accordancewith the operating signal inputted by the first player using thecontroller, based on the fifteenth aspect of the present invention.

[0060] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention,setting for the movement of the position of the displayed cursor by thecontrolling device based on the operating signal inputted by the firstplayer includes the steps of:

[0061] By the display device displaying a plural number of cursors thathave been set previously;

[0062] enabling the first player to select one cursor out of thedisplayed plural number of cursors by using the input device;

[0063] by the controlling device making the selected cursor to be anobject of contact judgment with the second character, based on theseventeenth aspect of the present invention.

[0064] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, aprogram for controlling execution of a baseball game wherein a ballthrown by a pitcher character displayed by display device is hit at by abatter character operated by a player and displayed by the displaydevice, and the progress of the baseball game is controlled by thevalidity of the hitting, includes the steps of:

[0065] By the display device displaying a cursor indicating an area inwhich the hitting is regarded as valid;

[0066] enabling the player to predict the pitch type of the thrown ball,and by the input device inputting an operating signal corresponding tothe prediction;

[0067] by the controller setting the pitch type of the thrown ball sothat the pitch type cannot be recognized by the player before the inputdevice inputs it;

[0068] by an image processing device moving a cursor displayed by thedisplay device, based on an operating signal inputted by the playerusing the input device;

[0069] by the image processing device moving the displayed ball so thatthe movement corresponds to the set pitch type;

[0070] by the controller determining whether the diction made by theplayer is right or wrong, based on the operating signal for predictingthe pitch type and the pitch type of the thrown ball; and

[0071] when the prediction by the player is judged to be right, makingat least the shape or the size of the displayed cursor into a shape or asize corresponding to the prediction made by the player.

[0072] According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, aprogram for controlling execution of a football game wherein a ballkicked by a kicker character displayed by display device is caught at bya goalkeeper character operated by a player and displayed by the displaydevice, and the progress of the football game is controlled by thevalidity of the catching, including the steps of:

[0073] By the display device displaying a cursor indicating an area inwhich the catching is regarded as valid;

[0074] enabling the player to predict the ball movement type of the ballkicked by the kicker character, and by the input device inputting anoperating signal corresponding to the prediction;

[0075] by the controller setting the ball movement type of the kickedball so that the ball movement type cannot be recognized by the playerbefore inputting by the input device;

[0076] by an image processing device moving a cursor displayed by thedisplay device, based on an operating signal inputted by the playerusing the input device;

[0077] by the image processing device moving the displayed ball so thatthe movement corresponds to the set ball movement type;

[0078] by the controller determining whether the prediction made by theplayer is right or wrong, based on the operating signal for predictingthe ball movement type, and the ball movement type of the kicked ball;and

[0079] when the prediction by the player is judged to be right, makingat least the shape or the size of the cursor into a shape or a sizecorresponding to the prediction.

[0080] According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, aprogram for performing, using a game apparatus displaying an imagecaptured by a specific viewpoint in a virtual space on display device,judgment whether a first character placed in the virtual space that isoperated by a first player, contacts a second character moving in thevirtual space based on the operation of a second player, and forcontrolling progress of a matching game in accordance with the result ofthe judgment, including the steps of:

[0081] by the display device displaying a cursor indicating an area inwhich contact of the first character and the second character isregarded as valid;

[0082] enabling the first player to predict the parameter set to thesecond character;

[0083] by the input device inputting an operating signal correspondingto the prediction;

[0084] enabling the second player to set the at least one parameteramong a plurality of parameters for specifying movement of the secondcharacter so that the movement cannot be recognized by the first playerbefore inputting by the input fdevice;

[0085] by the controller moving the second character in accordance withthe set parameter;

[0086] by the controller judging whether the prediction made by thefirst player is right or wrong, based on the inputted operating signaland the parameter set to the second character; and

[0087] when the prediction is judged to be right, making at least theshape or the size of the cursor into a shape or a size corresponding tothe prediction made by the first player.

[0088] Further features of the present invention will become apparentduring the course of the subsequent embodiment explanation, given whilereferring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration for aninformation processing apparatus according to the present invention;

[0090]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example controller 8 provided for acontrol panel belonging to an information processing apparatus forcontrolling execution of a golf simulation game program.

[0091]FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a track ball A;

[0092]FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case wherein a cross-shapedkey is employed instead of the track ball A;

[0093]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example golf course displayed on adisplay monitor 6;

[0094]FIG. 6 is a flowchart (1) for the processing performed by aprogram for setting a flight direction and a traveling distance of aball;

[0095]FIG. 7 is a flowchart (2) for the processing performed by aprogram for setting a flight direction-and a traveling distance of aball;

[0096]FIG. 8 is a group of diagrams for explaining rotation of the trackball A in −Y direction, operation values of the track ball A in Xdirection, and directions in which the ball is driven, which will bedescribed later;

[0097]FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the process performed when atraveling distance is determined by adjusting a distance at a targettraveling distance indicator 103;

[0098]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process performed for abackspin operation;

[0099]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the process performed for atop spin operation;

[0100]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example image of a golfing greenaccording to the present invention;

[0101]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example image of a golfinggreen according to the present invention;

[0102]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example image displayed on adisplay monitor 6 for a baseball simulation game according to thepresent invention;

[0103]FIG. 15 is an enlarged diagram showing a ball 52 and arrowsrepresenting types of pitches;

[0104]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example controller 8 provided fora control panel belonging to an information processing apparatus forcontrolling execution of a baseball simulation game program;

[0105]FIG. 17 is a flowchart (1) for explaining the features of controlby a program executed using the controller 8 for a baseball simulationgame according to the present invention;

[0106]FIG. 18 is a flowchart (2) for explaining the features of controlby a program executed using the controller 8 for a baseball simulationgame according to the present invention;

[0107]FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining step P30 in the processing inFIG. 17;

[0108]FIG. 20 is a group of diagrams for example cursor shapes;

[0109]FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining step P37 in the processing inFIG. 18;

[0110]FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining step P37 in the processing inFIG. 18;

[0111]FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining step P37 in the processing inFIG. 18; and

[0112]FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining step P37 in the processing inFIG. 18.

[0113]FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a model view of a penalty kick in afootball game displayed on a display monitor 6.

[0114]FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining another example showing theball movement type predicted by a player.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0115]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of aninformation processing apparatus according to the present invention. InFIG. 1, the information processing apparatus includes a program datastorage device or recording medium (including an optical disk and anoptical disk drive) 1 in which a program according to the presentinvention and data accompanying the program for executing the programare stored.

[0116] Further, in the information processing apparatus, a CPU 2performs, as controlling device, controlling of the entire system,calculation of coordinates for an image display, etc. in the course ofexecution of the program.

[0117] A program according to the present invention and dataaccompanying the program required for the processing performed by theCPU 2 are read out from the program data storage device or recordingmedium 1, and temporarily stored in a system memory 3. An initiationprogram required for activating the information processing apparatus isstored in a boot ROM 20.

[0118] In addition, a bus arbiter 40 controls the transmission ofprogram data among the individual blocks of the information processingapparatus and with externally connected machines. A rendering processor41 either reproduces movie data read from the program data storagedevice or recording medium 1, or generates images for an image displayin accordance with player instructions or in consonance with theprogress of a game.

[0119] Graphics data or other similar data required for the generationof images by the rendering processor 41 are stored in a graphic memory5. A sound processor 7 reproduces music data read from the program datastorage device or recording medium 1, or generates sound effects andverbal expressions in accordance with player instructions or inconsonance with the progression of a game. Sound data or other similardata required for the generation of the sound effects and verbalexpressions are stored in a sound memory 70.

[0120] The bus arbiter 40 is connected to a controller 8 containing adigital input button key, a joystick, or analog input device such as atrack ball for outputting information for controlling thefunction-constituting parts of the information processing apparatus orexternally connected machines. Digital and analog signals are inputtedin accordance with the operation information by a player using thecontroller 8.

[0121] The information processing apparatus employs operatinginstructions from a player entered using the controller 8 as parameterswhen a program according to the present invention stored in the systemmemory 3 controls the CPU 2 as controlling device. And the renderingprocessor 41 and the sound processor 7 perform image or voiceprocessing, in accordance with instructions received from the operator,and respectively output images and sound to the display monitor 6 and aloudspeaker 71 as display device.

[0122] To apply the present invention, the information processingapparatus may also be a television game machine, a personal computer, aworkstation, a telephone set or a communication apparatus having animage display function, or it may be an image display apparatus having acommunication function or an information processing function.

[0123] Assuming that a program according to the present inventionexecuted by the information processing apparatus is a game program forcontrolling execution of a sports simulation game such as a golf orbaseball simulation game, this program includes program data forcontrolling execution of a sports simulation game such as a golf orbaseball simulation game, and image data for displaying characters suchas portraits of golfers, pitchers and batters, and backgrounds.

[0124] Hereupon, a displayed character image is composed of a pluralityof polygons having coordinates in the virtual three-dimensional space asvertex data. Accordingly, a displayed character image data device vertexdata of a plurality of polygons constituting a character.

[0125] The bus arbiter 40 and the rendering processor 41 as describedabove can be consolidated as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 4, whichhas a coordinate transformation function for a displayed image datahaving three-dimensional coordinates, and a function as image processingdevice for pasting texture data into a polygon which forms the displayedcharacter image, in accordance with the program data to controlexecution of the game.

[0126] The above-described coordinate transformation function transformsdisplayed image data having global coordinates into three-dimensionalviewpoint coordinates, and then performs perspective transformation ofthe three-dimensional coordinates into two-dimensional coordinates. Thedisplayed image data to which texture data is pasted in thethree-dimensional viewpoint coordinates, and which is then subjected toperspective transformation into the two-dimensional coordinates, istransmitted to the graphic memory 5. Thereafter the displayed image datais sequentially read out and converted into a video signal, which isthen displayed as an image on the monitor 6.

[0127] Further, based on the program data for controlling the gameexecution, in synchronism with the image display, a digital voice signalis processed by the sound processor 7. The resultant signal is convertedinto an analog voice signal, which is then released as sound by theloudspeaker 71.

[0128] An explanation will now be given for the control process of theprogram according to the present invention, by employing, as a gameprogram for executing a sports simulation game, the above-describedprogram stored in the program data storage device or recording medium 1of the information processing apparatus.

[0129]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example controller 8 provided for acontrol panel (not shown) belonging to an information processingapparatus shown in FIG. 1 which executes a golf simulation game program.

[0130] The controller 8 includes a track ball A, a start button STR,driving direction adjustment buttons BR and BL and camera positionmoving buttons C1 and C2.

[0131] As is shown in FIG. 3, the track ball A is a spherically shaped,and has a known mechanism that as it is rotated, an analog signal in aamount of ±X or ±Y along either the X or the Y axis is entered,corresponding to the direction and amount of the rotation. A knowncross-shaped key shown in FIG. 4 may be employed instead of the trackball A, and an analog signal in an amount of ±X or ±Y value along eitherthe X or the Y axis may be entered corresponding to the depresseddirection and the time duration of the key depression.

[0132] The start button STR is a button key for resetting the entries.Upon depression of the start button STR, input values are canceled andre-entry is made possible.

[0133] The driving direction adjustment buttons BR and BL are buttonkeys for adjusting, on a golf course displayed by the player on themonitor 6, the relationship between the direction of a character imagecorresponding to a golf player operated by a player and the direction ofthe golf course, and adjusting, to the right or to the left, thedirection in which a golf ball is hit (driven).

[0134] A camera viewpoint is positioned along the golf course shown in avirtual three-dimensional space, and an image projected onto atwo-dimensional plane by using the camera viewpoint as the origin isdisplayed on the monitor 6. Therefore, when the camera viewpoint ismoved, the image of the golf course projected onto the two-dimensionalplane is also changed.

[0135] While the camera position moving button C1 is depressed, thecamera viewpoint is moved upward a predetermined distance. By the upwardmovement of the camera viewpoint, it is possible to have a bird-eye viewof the course. When the camera position moving button C1 is releasedfrom depression, the camera viewpoint is returned to the previousposition.

[0136] Also, when the camera position moving button C2 is depressed, thecamera viewpoint is moved upward a predetermined distance. By the upwardmovement of the camera viewpoint, the course can be checked in themanner of a bird's-eye view. When the camera position moving button C2is released from depression, the camera viewpoint is returned to theprevious position.

[0137] Further, when the track ball A is rotated while the cameraposition moving button C1 or C2 is depressed, the camera position isfixed, and the camera viewpoint is controlled to rotate at an angleequivalent to the track ball rotation amount.

[0138] As described above, coordinate transformation is performed at DSP(digital signal processor) 4 corresponding to the movement and therotation of the camera viewpoint, based on a signal inputted bycontroller 8 through operation of the camera position moving buttons C1and C2. Accordingly, changes can be given to a displayed imagecorresponding to movement and rotation of the camera viewpoint.

[0139] Or, when the camera viewpoint position is controlled tocontinuously change, while fixing a viewed point so that the distancebetween the camera viewpoint and a hole on a green 101 as the viewedpoint, is kept roughly constant, it is possible to observe thesurroundings of the green 101 from the front direction.

[0140] By controlling the program as described above, a player can checkthe layout of a golf course before driving a ball.

[0141] Accordinly, execution of a golf game is controlled by theprogram, corresponding to the operations of a player using controller 8.

[0142]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example golf course layoutdisplayed on the monitor 6. In FIG. 5, a teeing ground 100 and a green101 are shown. During the game, a player selects an appropriate golfclub for a displayed course, and in FIG. 5, a golf club 102 selected bythe player is displayed. In addition, the driving range capacity (200yards) for this club 102 is also displayed.

[0143] In this embodiment, the track ball A can be employed to selectand enter a golf club. That is, according to the program, it is possibleto display +X input value corresponding to the type of golf club, theinput being given by the rotation of the track ball A in +X or −Xdirection.

[0144] Then, the player performs driving the ball using the displayedgolf club. As the player performs driving the ball, CPU 2 uses theprogram to compute conditions and set the flight direction (the flightmode such as a slice and a hook) and the traveling distance for theball.

[0145]FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts for the processing at CPU 2 performedby the program for setting the ball flight direction and the travelingdistance.

[0146] In FIG. 6, first, an operation value in −Y direction as anexample of the above-described ball striking strength, is detected(stepP1). The operation value in −Y direction is the distance the playerrotates the track ball A in −Y direction. In FIG. 5, a target travelingdistance (in FIG. 5, 150 yards) is displayed in accordance with theoperation value in −Y direction, which is designated by the playerrelative to the driving range capacity of the selected and displayedclub 102.

[0147] In order to obtain a traveling distance corresponding to thedriving range capacity of the selected club 102, the track ball A isrotated to be set in −Y direction, so that the position of the targettraveling distance indicator 103 corresponds to the position of theselected club 102 on the display.

[0148] Following this, in FIG. 6, a check is performed to determinewhether an operation value in the X direction is present when the trackball A is manipulated in −Y direction (step P2). For this process, theoperation value in the X direction is generated when, in order to setthe target traveling distance, the track ball A in FIG. 3 is rotated insuch a way that a +X or −X directional element perpendicular to the Yaxis is included together with −Y direction movement.

[0149]FIGS. 8A to 8I are diagrams for explaining the rotation of thetrack ball A in −Y direction, the operation value of the track ball A inthe X direction and the ball driving direction which will be describedlater. It is to be noted that an oval in the middle of each of FIGS. 8Ato 8I represents a track ball.

[0150] In FIGS. 8A to 8I, arrows 200 and 300 represent rotation in −Ydirection and in +Y direction, respectively. An arrow 201 indicatesrotation as synthesized from a −Y direction component and a +X directioncomponent. An arrow 202 indicates rotation as synthesized from a −Ydirection component and a −X direction component. An arrow 301 indicatesrotation as synthesized from a +Y direction component and a +X directioncomponent. An arrow 302 indicates rotation as synthesized from a +Ydirection component and a −X direction component.

[0151] In FIG. 8A is shown an example wherein the operation value of thetrack ball A in the X direction is zero (200) when the track ball A isrotated in −Y direction. In FIG. 8B is shown an example wherein theoperation value of the track ball A in +X direction is provided (201)when it is rotated in −Y direction. In FIG. 8F is shown an examplewherein the operation value of the track ball A in −X direction isprovided (202) when it is rotated in −Y direction.

[0152] In FIG. 6, when it is determined at step P2 that the operationvalue in the X direction is present (Yes at step P2), a check isperformed to determine whether the operation value in the X direction isnegative or positive (step P3), and the operation value in eachdirection is detected (step P4 or P5).

[0153] Then, when the track ball A is rotated in +Y direction, that isan action to determine the above-described ball striking operationvalue, CPU 2 uses the program to determine that a swing has been made(Yes at step P6 or P7). When it is determined at step P2 that theoperation value in the X direction is not present (No at step P2), acheck is performed to determine whether a swing was made without theoperation value in the X direction being detected (step P8).

[0154] When the swing was made (Yes at step P6, P7 or P8), the swingvalue, i.e., the operation value in +Y direction is detected (step P9).Then, CPU 2 calculates the traveling distance in accordance with thedetected swing value and the operation value in −Y direction that hasbeen detected at step P1 (step P10).

[0155] This traveling distance is determined in the following manner. Asis shown in FIG. 5, the target traveling distance indicator 103 isdesignated by the operation value in −Y-direction. Then, in accordancewith the swing value detected at step P9, an adjustment is made todetermine the traveling distance so that the distance is within a 5%range for the target traveling distance indicator 103, as is shown as anexample in FIG. 9.

[0156] Further, in FIG. 6, a check is performed to determine whether anoperation value in the X direction is present at the time of the swing(step P11). When the operation value in the X direction is present, acheck is performed to determine whether the operation value is in −Xdirection or in +X direction (step P12), and the operation value in therelevant direction is obtained (step P13 or P14).

[0157] At this time, when as is shown in FIG. 8 the swing is made in adirection 301 or in a direction 302 relative to an upright direction300, an operation value in either +X direction or in −X direction isgenerated.

[0158] Furthermore, in FIG. 7, the operation value in −X or +X directiondetected at step P4 or P5 is synthesized with the operation value 0 inthe X direction determined at step P11 (step P15). This statecorresponds to those in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8F.

[0159] Also, the operation value in −X or +X direction detected at stepP4 or P5 is synthesized with the operation value in −X directiondetected at step P13 (step P16). This state corresponds to those inFIGS. 8G, 8H and 8I.

[0160] In addition, the operation value in −X or +X direction detectedat P4 or P5 is synthesized with the operation value in +X directiondetected at step P14 (step P17). This state corresponds to those inFIGS. 8C, 8D and 8E.

[0161] Then, the synthesized value in the X direction thus obtained bythe synthesis at step P15, P16 or P17 is employed to correct the flightmode relative to the traveling distance determined at step P10 (stepP18).

[0162] Specifically, among the examples in FIGS. 8A to 8I, the flightmode in FIG. 8G is for a hook (left curve), the flight mode in FIG. 8Dis for a drive to the right, and the flight mode in FIG. 8C is for aslice (right curve).

[0163] Further, in FIG. 7, a check is performed to determine whether anoperation for a back spin or a top spin has been instructed within apredetermined time following the swing (step P19). A back spin operationis performed by additionally rotating the track ball A in FIG. 3 in −Ydirection (Yes1 at step P19), while a top spin operation is performed byadditionally rotating the track ball A in +Y direction (Yesl2 at stepP19).

[0164] When the back spin operation is instructed (Yes1 at step P19),the back spin operation value is detected (step P20). Then, rotation in−Y direction is provided for the ball after the ball has landed inaccordance with the operation value detected at step P20, and as isshown in FIG. 10, the back spin operation is performed (step P21).

[0165] When the top spin operation is instructed (Yes2 at step P19), thetop spin operation value is detected (step P22). Rotation in +Ydirection is provided for the ball after it has landed in accordancewith the operation value detected at step P22, and as is shown in FIG.11, the top spin operation is performed (step P23).

[0166] The present invention has a feature for displaying an image of agreen during the golf game. It is, important, when golf is actuallybeing played, for the slope of a green relative to the cup to bedetermined before putting.

[0167]FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing example images of greensaccording to the present invention. The black circle represents a cup,and height differences are represented by the densities of the colorsshown on the screen. In FIG. 12, wherein a darker area represents alower elevation, the image color density, or the darkness, increasesfrom the bottom to the top. Therefore, it is evident from the example inFIG. 12 that the green inclines downward, toward the cup.

[0168] In the example in FIG. 13, it is evident that the green inclinesdownward diagonally toward the upper portion. Thus, since the programcan alter the speed of a ball for putts made with the same strength inconsonance with the degree of inclination of a green, a player mayexperience through the game a virtual putting sensation by determining,before putting, the degree of inclination represented by the colordensities shown on the screen.

[0169] Although not shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for the height differencebetween the position of the ball and the position of the cup (the blackcircle in FIGS. 12 and 13) on the green, a numerical value is displayednear the cup as reference data for a player. The player, therefore, cancorrectly apprehend the inclination of the green and can estimate anappropriate strength to be used for putting.

[0170] An example for which a baseball simulation game is employed willnow be given to illustrate how the objective of the present invention isachieved, by providing a game program for controlling execution of agame and an information processing apparatus therefor which affords aplayer sensations similar to those experienced while engaging in actualsports.

[0171] According to the present invention, execution of a baseballsimulation game is controlled so that, while a player operates a battercharacter in a baseball game displayed on a display monitor, he canpredict the selection of the type of pitch thrown by a pitcher characterdisplayed and controlled by a counterpart player or by an informationprocessing apparatus in accordance with the program. An arrangement thatensures more realistic circumstances will be provided.

[0172]FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example image for the baseballgame displayed on the monitor 6 according to the present invention. Apitcher character 50 and a batter character 51 are displayed. Togetherwith a character display of a ball 52, the directions of flight of theball 52, i.e., arrows indicating the pitch types, are displayed.

[0173]FIG. 15 is an enlarged diagram showing the ball 52 and the arrowsused to indicate the pitch types. For the pitch types, arrow Srepresents a straight ball, R represents a right curve, L represents aleft curve, D represents a fork (a drop) ball, Rd represents a rightslider, and Ld represents a left slider.

[0174]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example controller 8, provided forthe control panel (not shown) attached to an information processingapparatus, for controlling execution of a baseball simulation gameprogram. As will be described later, the controller 8 includes ajoystick (direction key) 80 for predicting and selecting a pitch typefor the pitcher character displayed on the display monitor 6 and forcontrolling the cursor position, and a lever 81 used when hitting aball.

[0175] The right and the left halves of the controller 8 have the samespecifications, and permit two persons to participate in a baseballgame. In this case, a first player operates a pitcher as a displayedcharacter, and a second player operates a batter as another displayedcharacter. When only one person plays the baseball game, the programrunning on the information processing apparatus operates the displayedpitcher character, while the player operates the displayed battercharacter.

[0176]FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts for explaining the features ofcontrol of the baseball game program executed using the controller 8provided for a control panel (not shown) for a baseball game accordingto the present invention.

[0177] In FIG. 17, at the start of the game program, a strike zone SZand a cursor CS are displayed in the batting area on the display monitor6 as shown in FIG. 19 (step P30).

[0178] The player operating the pitcher character manipulates thedirection key 80 of the controller 8 to select and enter the pitch typeto be thrown by the pitcher (step P31). To select the pitch type for thepitcher, the direction key 80 is pushed in a direction corresponding toan arrow emanating from the ball in FIG. 15 which represents theselected pitch type. At this time, the selected pitch type for throwingis not displayed on the monitor 6.

[0179] The player who operates the batter predicts which pitch type willbe thrown by the pitcher, and enters it by manipulating the directionkey 80 in the same manner as is described above (step P32).

[0180] The above process is completed before the pitcher begins todeliver the pitch in accordance with the program (step P33).

[0181] Then, when the pitcher starts to deliver the pitch in accordancewith the program (Yes at step P33), CPU determines whether the pitchtype thrown by the pitcher matches the one predicted by the playeroperating the batter according to the program (step P34). Thisdetermination is made possible by comparing a parameter for identifyingthe pitch type thrown by the pitcher with a parameter for identifyingthe pitch type predicted by the player.

[0182] When the pitch type thrown by the pitcher matches the pitch typepredicted by the player who operates the batter, CPU 2 reads out datafor displaying the shape of the cursor CS corresponding to the type ofthe pitch predicted and selected by the batter operating player from astorage device or recording medium 1, sends it to DSP 4, and performs animage processing. Thereby, a cursor changed in shape will be displayed(step P35). When it does not match, the data for representing the cursorCS is not altered, and the shape of the circular cursor CS shown in FIG.19 is not altered (step P36).

[0183] At step P35, a case that the pitch type delivered by the pitchermatches the pitch type predicted by the batter-side player is employedas a condition for changing the shape of the cursor to correspond withthe pitch type. However, after the ball has been pitched, the shape ofthe cursor CS may be changed unconditionally in accordance with thepitch type predicted by the batter-side player.

[0184] Example cursor shapes are shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C. In FIG. 20Athe ball-shaped cursor is not deformed. Whereas in FIG. 20B, when aright slider is predicted, the shape of the cursor CS is extended in thedirection in which the ball will swerve to the right, and in FIG. 20C,when a left slider is predicted, the shape of the cursor CS is alsoextended in the direction in which the ball will swerve to the left.

[0185] Following the processing in FIG. 18, the player who operates thebatter character predicts the course of the ball by manipulating thedirection key 80, and changes the position of the cursor CS (step P37).

[0186] This process is shown in FIGS. 21 to 24. In FIG. 21, a rightslider is predicted, and the cursor CS is deformed as is shown in FIG.20B, while its position is not changed.

[0187] In FIG. 22, the cursor CS is moved from the state in FIG. 21 tothe lower right. And in FIG. 23, the cursor CS is deformed as is shownin FIG. 20C, and is moved to the left.

[0188] In FIG. 24, the cursor CS is moved to the upper left but is notdeformed.

[0189] Hereupon, control of the movement of the position of thedisplayed cursor CS is performed as follows. CPU 2 detects inputs by theplayer using the joystick 80. Then, CPU 2 sends the movement amount dataof the detected cursor CS to DSP 4. DSP 4 updates the displayedcoordinates of the cursor CS in accordance with the movement amountdata. Accordingly, the cursor CS having predetermined shape is displayedat the updated position.

[0190] Referring again to FIG. 18, a check is performed to determinewhether the batter character has swung the bat (step P38).

[0191] The lever 81 of the control panel 8 is usually positioned uprightas shown in FIG. 16, and to swing the bat, the player pivots the lever81 to the right within an angle range of 180 degrees, and releases it.This operation gives a bat swinging state. The lever 81 is then pivotedalong the arrow shown at the left side of the controller 8 in FIG. 16upward from the position and is rotated and returned to its originalupright position by device of a spring mechanism for returning.

[0192] When the player pivots the lever 81 to the right within the 180degree angle range, the angle attained corresponds to the battingstrength and is provided as one parameter of the program for fielding aball which is hit.

[0193] When it is determined that the player has not made the battercharacter swing the bat(No at step P38) and the ball has passed beyondthe distance at which batting is enabled (Yes at step P39), a strikeswing process is performed (step P41).

[0194] When it is determined that the player has made the battercharacter swing the bat (Yes at step P38), a check is performed todetermine whether the ball has reached the distance at which batting isenabled (step P40). When the ball has not reached the batting enableddistance (No at step P40), the strike swing process is also performed(step P41).

[0195] Hereupon, the distance at which batting is enabled is determinedby the elapsed time from the moment the ball is thrown.

[0196] When the ball has reached the batting enabled distance (Yes atstep P40), a check is performed to determine whether the ball is presentwithin the cursor (step P42). When the ball is not within the cursor (Noat step P42), the strike swing process is performed (step P41). And whenthe ball is within the cursor (Yes at step P42), a fielding process isperformed (step P43).

[0197] As the fielding process, CPU 2 detects parameters such as thebatting strength which corresponds to the pivoting angle (rotationalangle) of the lever 81, the position of the cursor CS, and whether theball entered a position within the cursor CS, and processes previouslyset as program data corresponding to the combination of the detectedparameters are executed. Since the fielding process is not directlyrelated to the feature of the present invention, no detailed explanationfor it will be given.

[0198] Hereupon, a program according to the present invention is notlimited to the above-described golf game and baseball game, and is alsoapplicable to other ball sports simulation games.

[0199] For example, it is possible to take a penalty kick in a footballgame into such a game.

[0200] This can be processed in the same way as in a baseball game inwhich a player predicts a pitch or ball movement type and selects theshape and the position of the cursor CS.

[0201]FIG. 25 shows a model view of a penalty kick in a football gamedisplayed on a display monitor 6.

[0202] In FIG. 25A, characters of a kicker K and of a goalkeeper GK areshown, and a player predicts the ball movement type of a football B thekicker kicks that is operated according to a second plyaer or a program.The display of the shape and the position of the cursor CS is controlledso that the catching is regarded as valid, by whether this predictionand the ball movement type of the football B kicked by the kicker Kmatches each other or not.

[0203] The prediction of the ball movement type selection of thefootball B is entered using a controller 8 in the same way as has beenpreviously explained for a baseball game.

[0204]FIGS. 25B and 25C each show the relationship between therepresented cursor CS corresponding to the ball movement type selectedby a player and the football B kicked by the kicker character K.

[0205] CPU 2 determines, according to a program, whether the ballmovement type predicted by a player matches the set ball movement typeof the ball kicked by the kicker K. The determination by CPU 2 is madepossible by comparing the parameter for specifying the ball movementtype of the ball kicked by the kicker K and the parameter for specifyingthe ball movement type predicted by the player.

[0206] When the ball movement type of the ball kicked by the kicker Kmatches the ball movement type predicted by the goalkeeper side player,CPU 2 reads out the data for displaying a cursor CS in the shapecorresponding to the one predicted and selected by the player operatingthe goalkeeper GK from a program data storage device or recording medium1, send it to DSP 4, and image processing is performed. Accordingly, adeformed cursor CS is displayed. On the other hand, if they do notmatch, the data regarding the ball movement type of the ball fordisplaying the cursor CS is not changed and the cursor is not deformed.

[0207]FIG. 25B shows a case in which the ball movement type predicted bythe goalkeeper side player matches the set ball movement type kicked bythe kicker K, with the result that the position and the shape of thecursor CS is changed and the ball B has come within the cursor CS.

[0208]FIG. 25C shows a case in which the ball movement type predicted bythe goalkeeper side player does not match the ball movement type set bythe program side, with the result that the shape of the cursor CS is notchanged, and only the position is moved. In this case, the ball B is outof the cursor CS.

[0209] According to the program, CPU 2 determines whether the displayedposition (coordinate) of the ball B matches the scope of the cursor CS,in the relationship shown in FIGS. 25B and 25C. FIG. 25B shows a case inwhich the displayed position (coordinate) of the ball B matches thescope of the cursor CS, indicating that the catching of the ball by thegoalkeeper is regarded as successful. FIG. 25C shows a case in which thedisplayed position (coordinate) of the ball B does not match the scopeof the cursor CS, indicating that the catching of the ball by thegoalkeeper GK is regarded as unsuccessful.

[0210] Based on this determination, a scoring process is performedaccording to the program, and the football game continues. The scoringprocess is not directly related to the present invention, and thereforeis not described for further explanation.

[0211]FIG. 26 is another example showing prediction of the ball movementtype performed by a player. In this case, a plurality of positions ofcursors CS's (CS1-CS6) displayed on a screen are previously set as aprogram data.

[0212] A player predicts the ball movement type of the bal B kicked by akicker K and selects an optimum cursor CS among the plurality of cursorsCS1-C6 based on the predicted ball movement type. Accordingly, CPU 2determines whether the set direction of the ball B kicked by the kickerK matches the position of the cursor CS selected by the player. Based onthe determination, a scoring process is performed according to theprogram, and the football game continues.

[0213] In the example shown in FIG. 26, as compared with the exampleshown in FIG. 25, processing of the program is controlled so that theshape of the cursor CS is not modified, and a cursor is selected fromthe CS's the positions of which are previously set, and therefore, theprocessing is easy and load on CPU 2 will be alleviated.

[0214] As is described above while referring to the drawings, accordingto the embodiment of the present invention, a game can be executed whichcan provide for a player sensations similar to those experienced whileengaging in actual sports.

[0215] It is to be noted that ball sports for the simulation gamesaccording to the present invention can include golf, baseball, cricket,polo, football, American foot ball, rugby football, tennis, tabletennis, and any other known ball sports wherein striking or hitting of aball is required for traveling of the ball in the air, unless a specifictype of sports is referred.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recording medium storing a game program, whichis executed in an information processing apparatus for performing a golfsimulation game, the game program comprising: by a controller, detectinga ball striking strength and a ball operating angle for hitting a golfball, which are set by a player using an input device; detecting a ballstriking operation value and a ball striking angle for said golf ball atthe time of hitting said golf ball, which are set by said player usingthe input device; performing a correction of a specific distance inaccordance with said ball striking operation value at the time ofhitting said ball to a traveling distance of said ball corresponding tosaid detected ball striking strength; and determining a flight mode ofsaid ball based on said ball operating angle and said ball strikingangle at the time of hitting said ball, which are set by said playerusing the input device.
 2. The recording medium according to claim 1,wherein an analog value in −Y is provided by said input device as saidball striking strength set by said player, an analog value in +Y isprovided by said input device as said ball striking operation value atthe time of hitting the ball, an analog value in +X or −X direction isprovided by said input device as said ball operating angle set by saidplayer, another analog value in +X or −X direction is provided as saidball striking angle set by said player, and said correction of saidspecific distance performed by said controller is determined as a ratioof said analog value in +Y direction to the absolute value of saidanalog value in −Y direction.
 3. The recording medium according to claim2, wherein an additional operation value in +Y or −Y-direction can beinputted by said input device before a predetermined period of time haselapsed following the provision of said ball striking operation valuegiven at the time of hitting said ball by said player.
 4. The recordingmedium according to claim 3, wherein when said additional operationvalue in +Y direction is inputted, rotation corresponding to saidadditional operation value in +Y direction is provided for said golfball at the position where said golf ball has landed, and when saidadditional operation value in −Y direction is inputted, rotationcorresponding to said additional operation value in −Y direction isprovided for said golf ball at the position where said golf ball haslanded.
 5. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein saidflight mode includes either a slice, during which said golf ball curvesto the right in flight, or a hook, during which said golf ball curves tothe left in flight.
 6. A recording medium storing a game program, whichis executed in an information processing apparatus for performing a golfsimulation game, the game program comprising: during said golfsimulation game, by an image processing circuit performing perspectivetransformation of a golf course in a virtual three-dimensional spaceinto a two-dimensional projection for which the origin is the viewpointof a camera located in said virtual three-dimensional space; by amonitor displaying an image in the two-dimensional projection obtainedby said perspective transformation; by a controller moving saidviewpoint of said camera along a height, or along a forward direction insaid virtual three-dimensional space, based on a camera movementcontrolling signal inputted by a player using an input device; and bythe controller rotatably adjusting the direction of view of said cameraat a position to which said viewpoint is moved.
 7. A recording mediumstoring a game program, which is executed in an information processingapparatus for setting a viewpoint and an object in a virtualthree-dimensional space and for generating an image of said object takenfrom said viewpoint, the game program comprising: by a controller,detecting a first operating signal inputted by a first operation device;continuously changing the position of said viewpoint while said firstoperating signal is detected; and when a second operating signalinputted by a second operation device is detected, by the controllerfixing said position of said viewpoint, and continuously changing thedirection of view in accordance with an operation value based on saidsecond operating signal.
 8. A recording medium storing a game program,which is executed in an information processing apparatus for setting aviewpoint and an object in a virtual three-dimensional space and forgenerating an image of said object taken from said viewpoint, the gameprogram comprising: by a controller detecting a first operating signalinputted by a first operation device; by the controller continuouslychanging the position of said viewpoint while said first operatingsignal is detected; and when a second operating signal inputted by asecond operation device is detected, by said controlling device fixingsaid position of said viewpoint, and in accordance with an operationvalue based on said second operating signal, continuously changing saidposition of said viewpoint while fixing the viewed point so as tomaintain an almost constant distance between said viewpoint and saidviewed point.
 9. A recording medium storing a game program, which isexecuted in an information processing apparatus for controllingexecution of a ball sports simulation game, the game program comprising:by an image processor, displaying a ground and a cup which is formed insaid ground for accepting a ball coursing over said ground from adistance; and displaying the height of said ground by pasting a texturethat varies in darkness to said displayed ground.
 10. The recordingmedium according to claim 9, wherein said ball sports simulation game isa golf simulation game, and said ball is a golf ball; and said ground isa green topographic entity, and positional difference in height betweensaid cup for accepting a golf ball and said golf ball is apparent nearsaid cup.
 11. An information processing apparatus comprising: a storagedevice storing a program for controlling execution of a ball sportssimulation game; an input device setting a ball striking strength and aball operating angle for a golf ball hit by a player as well as a ballstriking operation value and a ball striking angle for said golf ball atthe time of hitting said golf ball; and a controller detecting said ballstriking operation value and said ball striking angle for said golf ballset by said player using the input device at the time of hitting thegolf ball, performing a correction of a specific distance in accordancewith said ball striking operation value at the time of hitting said golfball, to a traveling distance of said golf ball corresponding to saiddetected ball striking strength, and determining a flight mode of saidgolf ball based on said ball operating angle and said ball strikingangle at the time of hitting said golf ball, which are set by saidplayer using the input device, in accordance with a program stored insaid storage device.
 12. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein a track ball is provided for said input device, andis used for entering, as analog values, said ball striking strength andsaid ball operating angle of said golf ball, as well as said ballstriking operation value and said ball striking angle at the time ofhitting said ball.
 13. A recording medium storing a game program, whichis executed in an information processing apparatus for performing asports game, the game program comprising: enabling a player to input atiming for hitting a ball that is displayed on a display monitor byusing an input device; by an image processor displaying cursors on saiddisplay monitor; enabling a player to select a cursor having a specificpattern area by using said input device; by the image processor changingand displaying the shape of the cursor displayed on said display monitorin accordance with said selected specific pattern; and by a controllerdetermining whether the position of said ball displayed on said displaymonitor is within an area of said displayed cursor after shape changing,the position being at the time when a specific time has been elapsedafter the time of hitting at said ball inputted by said player usingsaid input device.
 14. A recording medium storing a game program forcontrolling execution of a baseball simulation game in an informationprocessing apparatus in which a hitting timing for a batter characteroperated by a first player to hit a ball thrown by a pitcher characterdisplayed on a display monitor is controlled, the game programcomprising: by a controller setting a pitch type thrown by the pitchercharacter displayed by an operation device by a second player using aninput device or by the control of a program; enabling the first playerto set a timing and a hitting position for said displayed battercharacter to use said input device in order to hit a ball thrown by saidpitcher character; and furthermore, enabling said first player to usesaid input device in order to predict the pitch type of said thrown balland to select a cursor shape pattern in which hitting by said battercharacter is regarded as valid when said ball is within an area.
 15. Arecording medium storing a game program for performing, in a gameapparatus displaying an image captured by a specific viewpoint in avirtual space on a display device, judgment whether a first characterplaced in said virtual space that is operated by a first player,contacts a second character moving in said virtual space, and forcontrolling progress of a game in accordance with the result of saidjudgment, the game program comprising: by said display device displayinga cursor indicating an area in which contact of said first character andsaid second character is regarded as valid; by an input device inputtingan operating signal corresponding to at least one parameter predicted bysaid first player among a plurality of parameters for specifyingmovement of said second character; by a controller setting said at leastone parameter among a plurality of parameters for specifying movement ofsaid second character so that it cannot be recognized before theoperating signal corresponding to said prediction is inputted, andmoving said second character in accordance with said set parameter; bysaid controller judging whether the prediction made by said first playeris right or wrong, based on said inputted operating signal and saidparameter set to said second character; and when said prediction isright, making at least the shape or the size of said cursor into a shapeor a size corresponding to the prediction made by said first player. 16.The recording medium according to claim 15, wherein the setting bycontroller of said at least one parameter of said plural number ofparameters for specifying the movement of said second character is basedon an operating signal inputted by a second player using said inputdevice who is playing a game against said first player.
 17. Therecording medium according to claim 15, wherein the position of saiddisplayed cursor is made by said controller to move to be set inaccordance with the operating signal inputted by said first player usingsaid controller.
 18. The recording medium according to claim 17, whereinthe setting for the movement of the position of said displayed cursor bysaid controller based on said operating signal inputted by said firstplayer includes: by said display device displaying a plural number ofcursors that have been set previously; enabling said first player toselect one cursor out of said displayed plural number of cursors byusing said input device; by said controller making said selected cursorto be an object of contact judgment with said second character.
 19. Arecording medium storing a game program for controlling execution of abaseball simulation game in an information processing apparatus whereina ball thrown by a pitcher character displayed by a display device ishit at by a batter character operated by a player and displayed by saiddisplay device, and the progress of the baseball game is controlled bythe validity of said hitting, the game program comprising: by saiddisplay device displaying a cursor indicating an area in which saidhitting is regarded as valid; enabling said player to predict the pitchtype of said thrown ball, and by said input device inputting anoperating signal corresponding to said prediction; by said controllersetting the pitch type of said thrown ball so that the pitch type cannotbe recognized by said player before inputting from said input device bysaid player; by an image processor moving a cursor displayed by saiddisplay device, based on an operating signal inputted by said playerusing said input device; by the image processor moving said displayedball so that the movement corresponds to the set pitch type; by saidcontroller determining whether the prediction made by said player isright or wrong, based on said operating signal for predicting said pitchtype and the pitch type of said thrown ball; and when the prediction ofsaid player is judged to be right, making at least the shape or the sizeof said displayed cursor into a shape or a size corresponding to theprediction made by said player.
 20. A recording medium storing a gameprogram for controlling execution of a football game wherein a ballkicked by a kicker character displayed by a display device is caught atby a goalkeeper character operated by a player and displayed by saiddisplay device, and the progress of the football game is controlled bythe validity of said catching, the game program comprising: by saiddisplay device display a cursor indicating an area in which saidcatching is regarded as valid; enabling said player predicting the ballmovement type of the ball kicked by said kicker character, and by saidinput device inputting an operating signal corresponding to saidprediction; by said controller setting the ball movement type of saidkicked ball so that the ball movement type cannot be recognized by saidplayer before inputting from the input device by the player; by imageprocessor moving a cursor displayed by said display device, based on anoperating signal inputted by said player using said input device; bysaid image processor moving said displayed ball so that the movementcorresponds to the set ball movement type; by said controllerdetermining whether the prediction made by said player is right orwrong, based on said operating signal for predicting said ball movementtype and the ball movement type of said kicked ball; and when saidprediction by the player is judged to be right, making at least theshape or the size of said displayed cursor into a shape or a sizecorresponding to said prediction.
 21. A recording medium storing a gameprogram for for performing, in a game apparatus displaying an imagecaptured by a specific viewpoint in a virtual space on display device,judgment whether a first character placed in said virtual space that isoperated by a first player, contacts a second character moving in saidvirtual space based on the operation of a second player, and forcontrolling progress of a matching game in accordance with the result ofsaid judgment, the game program comprising: by said display devicedisplaying a cursor indicating an area in which contact of said firstcharacter and said second character is regarded as valid; enabling saidfirst player predicting the parameter set to said second character; byan input device inputting an operating signal corresponding to saidprediction; enabling said second player to set said at least oneparameter among a plurality of parameters for specifying movement ofsaid second character so that the movement cannot be recognized by saidfirst player before inputting by sid first plyer fron the input device;by said controller moving said second character in accordance with saidset parameter; by said controller judging whether the prediction made bysaid first player is right or wrong, based on said inputted operatingsignal and said parameter set to said second character; and when saidprediction is judged to be right, making at least the shape or the sizeof said cursor into a shape or a size corresponding to the predictionmade by said first player.